Security experts say automakers have not done a good job protecting the sophisticated electronic parts on modern cars from cyber crime. They say hackers who want to steal cars or just eavesdrop on conversations may have an easy time of it.

Reuters reported cybersecurity firms are hard at work investigating the electronic bugs in vehicles.

The Department of Homeland Security helps the auto industry secure technology, but it would not tell the news wire how seriously it considers the risk that hackers could launch attacks on vehicles.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.